Progress?

[argonaut]

Well I decided to build my own bike after some disappointing encounters with my LBS's. So the Progress so far:

GT Avalanche 3 frameset.
Mavic Crossride UB/Disc (Silver).
Continental Double Fighter II.
Shimano Deore FR/R Mechs and levers.

Well that's it so far. I would like to hear your comments (good and bad). I'm pretty new to this game from being out of the saddle for 28 years. I would like your views on a chainset next (possibly Deore 532?)and a pair of forks with lockout (no idea).

The intention is both on road and off road with COMFORT in mind rather than speed.

 

[John the Monkey]

Are you looking to change tyres for your on/off road escapades (assuming that the two activities are separate enough to do that)? Some slicks would make the on road part faster and more fun, but won't be much good to you off road. Combination tread tyres tend to be not enough of one thing or the other (imo).

If you're looking to buy stuff on the web I can highly recommend Merlin Cycles, great prices, and nice people - they're more orientated towards MTB stuff too, so should have a better choice of the sort of gear your after than they would do for me as a roadie

 

[GilesM]

Hi Argonaut

I was just posting on your other thread about the headset, just as I was about to ask what so of forks, I read this, the fork question is really about money and what you want to do.

You've mentiopned that you want a lock out fork, this is a really good idea if riding ont he road, climbing on the road on a suspension fork is no fun.

The better the fork the better the bike, an MTB is that simple, my recommendation would be either Rockshox or Fox, both very good. The Rockshox Reba Race is a very good and light 100mm travel fork I have one on my hardtail, it is very reliable, easy to set up and I have discovered it does take a great deal of abuse.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/RockShox_Reba_Race_DualAir_Fork/5360027237/

There are other cheaper ones form Rockshox which are very good, what you are paying for with the Reba Race is the weight. An air sprung fork is obviously lighter and you only really need a big spring for serious DH or Freeride stuff.

For Chainsets, I prefer the ones with outside BB, these are lighter and very easy to work on, and there are some very good replacement BB now available, if you go with Shimano or Raceface you won't be dissapointed, I prefer Raceface myself, but that's more for looks than any other reason.

IHTH

Giles

 

[RedBike]

I used to run the Avalanche with U-turn Tora forks. Irronically the Tora forks were plusher than the Reba i'm now using (although significantly heavier).

The avalanche I had was obviously designed around a 100mm fork. Which ment the U-turn travel suited it very well. With the suspension dropped down to 85mm the front wheel wouldn't wonder around while climbing. With the suspension wound up to 130mm the bike was much more stable on the downs.

The Deore chainset is well made if a little on the heavy side.

 

[RedBike]

I think a lockout for the road is a great idea. It certainly makes a difference when you get out of the saddle to pedal. I like having a pop-lock so that I can lock and unlock the suspension as I ride. I automatically lock my fork out of force of habit whenever I get out of the saddle on a climb.

However, most of the MTBers I ride with hardly ever use the lockouts. They reason that unless you're really pushing it on the road the forks doesn't bob much anyway; so unless you're in a rush you might as well have the fork unlocked and absorbing the pot-holes.

 

[argonaut]

Just an update on where I am.

I have gone for the Rockshox Dart3. Just trying to keep the price down.
I have gone for the Deore chainset.
HG Cassette.
Sram991 Chain.
The brakes are Shimano Deore hydraulic.

Mostly dealing with Chainreactions,Merlin and Scottby cycles for the brakes(just before they went up in price) Good quick service from them all so far.

The budget? Well, not going to say anything about that.

 

[GilesM]

I have gone for the Rockshox Dart3. Just trying to keep the price down.
I have gone for the Deore chainset.
HG Cassette.
Sram991 Chain.
The brakes are Shimano Deore hydraulic.

Mostly dealing with Chainreactions,Merlin and Scottby cycles for the brakes(just before they went up in price) Good quick service from them all so far.

The budget? Well, not going to say anything about that.

Sounds pretty good, when will the first ride be?

Giles

 

[argonaut]

Hi Giles,
it's probably going to be a few weeks yet. I am just waiting for a zero-stack headset (Crane Creek ZS2). Not much more to buy now. Seat post and saddle. The saddles I am going to have to try out I think somehow. Probaly the hardest decision.

 

[GilesM]

Argonaut

The Specialized BG saddles are pretty good, I've had a low (ish) priced one on my hardtail for a couple of years, seems pretty good. I've got a Fizik Gobi on my full sus, very good, but I not exactly cheap. Selle Italia are also pretty good. Whatever saddle you go for, it's usually the cycling shorts or liners that really make a difference

Hope you enjoy life back in the saddle.

Giles

 

[argonaut]

Thanks Giles,I will have a look around for these saddles(BG Saddles).
Well the zero stack headset arrived today. It looks as though I'll be starting the build next week (work commitments). Looking forward to getting going again.